25 No one else is fair and gives us everything we need; no one else is all-powerful and lives forever.“Long ago, you chose our ancestors to be your holy people, and since then you have rescued our nation from every danger.
26 “Please accept our sacrifice that we are offering for everyone in Israel, your chosen nation. Protect us from danger and make us holy.
27 “Bring home our scattered people and free those Jews who are slaves in foreign nations. We are hated and mistreated. So have pity on us and show Gentiles that you are the God of Israel.
28 “Take revenge against our arrogant enemies, who attack and insult us.
29 Then give your nation a lasting home in your holy land, just as Moses said you would.”
30 When everyone had finished praying, the priests started singing hymns.
31 Soon the fire burned up the offerings. Then Nehemiah ordered the rest of the liquid to be poured over some large rocks.